# Mineral Oil, White

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 8012-95-1
**Category:** stabilizer
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

White mineral oil is a highly refined petroleum product used in food processing as a lubricant, release agent, and stabilizer. It functions to prevent sticking, maintain texture, and facilitate manufacturing processes in various food applications.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | approved |
| Canada | approved |
| Australia | approved |
| Japan | not_evaluated |
| South Korea | not_evaluated |
| Brazil | not_evaluated |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | not_evaluated |

## Detailed analysis

## What is White Mineral Oil?

White mineral oil (CAS Number 8012-95-1) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless petroleum distillate that has been highly refined through extensive purification processes. It consists of a complex mixture of alkane hydrocarbons with carbon chains typically ranging from C15 to C50. The "white" designation indicates it meets specific purity and color standards established by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and the National Formulary (NF), distinguishing it from other mineral oil grades used in industrial applications.

## Common Uses

White mineral oil serves multiple functions in food manufacturing and processing. As a release agent, it prevents food products from adhering to processing equipment, molds, and conveyor systems. In bakery applications, it is used on baking pans and equipment surfaces. As a lubricant, it facilitates smooth operation of food processing machinery. The additive also functions as a formulation aid and texturizer in certain food products, contributing to desired mouthfeel and consistency. Additionally, it may be used as a surface-finishing agent on certain foods and as a processing aid to maintain product stability during manufacturing. Its use is typically restricted to food contact surfaces and processing equipment rather than direct incorporation into finished food products.

## Safety Assessment

White mineral oil has been extensively studied for food-contact applications. The FDA has not classified white mineral oil as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for food use, which means it lacks formal GRAS status. However, it is permitted under FDA regulations for specific food-contact surface applications under 21 CFR 178.3620. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated mineral oils, with particular attention to highly refined white mineral oils used in food manufacturing.

Absorption and toxicity studies in laboratory animals have shown that white mineral oil is poorly absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract due to its high molecular weight and hydrophobic nature. When ingested, the majority passes through the digestive system unchanged. The FDA database records zero adverse events associated with white mineral oil and zero recalls attributed to this substance, indicating a strong safety profile in actual use.

Key health considerations focus on minimizing direct food contact and ensuring proper application to non-food-contact surfaces only. Some public health authorities recommend limiting dietary exposure to mineral oils through multiple sources, as a conservative precautionary measure.

## Regulatory Status

White mineral oil is regulated under FDA Code of Federal Regulations 21 CFR 178.3620, which permits its use as a release agent and lubricant on food-contact surfaces with specific limitations. It is accepted for use in European Union food manufacturing under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 with defined specifications. In Canada, it is permitted for specific food-contact applications. The additive must meet strict purity requirements, including limits on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other potential contaminants, to qualify for food-contact use.

## Key Studies

Historical toxicology studies have evaluated mineral oil absorption and gastrointestinal effects. Research published in regulatory documentation has demonstrated minimal systemic absorption and no significant accumulation in body tissues. More recent EFSA assessments have examined the composition and safety of highly refined mineral oils, emphasizing the importance of controlling impurities rather than the hydrocarbon fraction itself. Studies consistently show that white mineral oil, when used according to regulatory specifications for food-contact surfaces, presents minimal risk to consumers due to limited dietary exposure and poor bioavailability.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Mineral Oil, White — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/mineral-oil-white. Accessed 2026-05-13.